Ethan Brown’s Choice: Why He Picked Illinois and His Goals for the Team

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Ethan Brown led the way for the 2026 Illinois men’s basketball recruiting class with a commitment ahead of his senior year.

Recruitment seemed to be on the verge of heating up for Brown, a composite four star prospect out of Rolla, Mo. However, he saw no need to wait and see if more offer rolled in after visiting Illinois.

“I just so felt great with what [the Illinois staff] was saying,” Brown told WCIA. “It just felt right… When I feel like I find something I want and it fits perfectly, what else could I be lookin for at that point?”

Brown says he talked mainly with assistant coach Tyler Underwood throughout the recruitment process. He also connected with Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler.

Brown grew up rooting for the Tigers in his home state.

“That Braggin’ Rights game is going to be a little fun,” he said with a laugh. “It’s okay, we’re growing out of [the Mizzou fandom.] We’re good.”

The 6-foot-4 guard says his strengths include shooting, basketball IQ and court vision.

Illinois picked up a second commitment in that 2026 class a week after Brown announced his decision. Landon Davis, a big man from Iowa, joined in pledging Orange and Blue.

Brown says he and Davis had talked previously.

“I was just like ‘It’s great. Everything about it.'” Brown said of his message to Davis. “You’re really going to develop to be the best player you can be and they have 100% confidence in all their players. It’s home.”

Brown hopes to add strength throughout his senior year of high school before moving to Champaign.